Question: Does Cal/OSHA (California OSHA) training cover compressed gas training and are veterinary employees that have completed OSHA training considered certified to handle compressed gas?
Answer:
The short answer is that there is basic awareness employees need to have when using compressed gas.
That information is provided in our OSHA Manual, should be covered in your on-the-job training when you're training new hires on your specific equipment, and is/should be covered as part of veterinary healthcare personnel's clinical training.
More details below -
- Here is a booklet from OSHA providing a condensed list of the training requirements by standard.
- You'll see that there isn't a specific training requirement for compressed gases in healthcare or veterinary healthcare (though there is in other industries like welding).
- Here is an eTool from OSHA specifically on compressed gases in healthcare.
- There are a few standards for compressed cases but most notable is 29 CFR 1910.101 which basically says compressed gas cylinders should be stored properly and inspected regularly.
- There are some other pamphlets referenced there around storage guidelines but they are pretty common sense - store upright, away from flammable sources, etc.
- Here is another webpage from OSHA showing anesthetic gas guidelines.
- Please note the disclaimer on the top of the page explaining that the information doesn't create a new standard or legal obligation - it is just guidance.
- There is a section specific to the veterinary field and much of that information is already contained within your OSHA Manual.
- Anesthetic gases fall under the Hazard Communication Standard and so you'll need to follow all listed provisions in your HazCom Program (found in our OSHA Documentation Kit).
- California specific rules does not seem to show any significant difference from the federal rules cited above. References:
Question: What about gas in the hospital that is used for sterilization of surgical equipment that cannot be autoclaved. Our sterilizer is an Andersen Anprolene AN75 Gas Sterilizer.
Answer:
This model uses ethylene oxide (EtO or EO) and that is covered in our OSHA training (Lesson: Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals). The sterilizer webpage also references free operator training. The combination of the two will help you ensure your staff are adequately trained.
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The Real Talk article series includes real customer questions and our answers. Since these are questions directly from actual clinics, practices, hospitals, and businesses, we thought you might have these questions too. We hope that you find this format helpful. Stay tuned for more Real Talk - your question might even be featured!